Restaurant patrons dine in time with the tune

Authors

Charles S. Areni, University of SydneyFollow

RIS ID

108831

Publication Details

Areni, C. S. (2010). Restaurant patrons dine in time with the tune. In the Loop - the PPCA Monthly Newsletter, Spring 1-1.

Link to publisher version (URL)

Phonographic Performance Company of Australia

Abstract

Research consistently shows that many human processes and behaviours follow the tempo of music. From automatic processes like cardiovascular and respiratory rates, to deliberate behaviours like dining, humans do things faster when the music is "up tempo". Studies have examined multiple restaurant categories from cafeterias to fine dining, and the results are basically the same. Diners eat more quickly - literally bring their forks to their mouths more frequently - when the music is fast rather than slow.